USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Gloucester > Memorial of the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Gloucester, Mass. August, 1892 > Part 24
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Rarely does a small town let pass its five or ten decades of existence without a public demonstration. That a city of the magnitude of Gloucester should let go by its fifth semi-centennial without an elaborate and triumphant commemoration would seem to deserve a place among the anomalies, perhaps the curiosities, of the latter part of the nineteenth century.
I do not wish to anticipate the historian or the orator, but I am convinced, not only by history already written, but by much information gleaned from the older citizens of the place, both living and dead, whose recollections and family legends cover more than the period of the two wars with our mother country, that we have a city full of historic lore, much of it trivial, perhaps, and though intensely interesting, too traditional for the set historic page, but it attests patriotism of the highest order, most determined effort in the struggle for existence, incorruptible integrity, and inflexible persistence in the maintenance of honor and intelligence among its people.
And now, as indicated by me on a former occasion, I believe that the heaviest claim to act in this matter falls upon the native born citizen. Pride of birth should count for much. There is abundant ability to get up a cele- bration that would vie with that of any other city. There is no need of going abroad for an historian, an orator, or a poet. Our city has already bred them, and we have reason to be proud of them. Let prejudice and self- interest be cast aside, and let true merit have its distinctive place.
JOSEPH GARLAND.
William A. Pew, Esq., Collector of Customs, 1892. James H. Mansfield, Esq., Postmaster, 1892. Hon. John J. Babson, Historian, Educator.
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I cannot but feel that it will be a great mistake if this occasion is allowed to pass unobserved. I do not feel that it is so much the manner of elabo- rateness with which it should be celebrated, as the one fact that so important an event should be properly recognized. Our honored city has borne a conspicuous part, during its eventful history, in contributing not a little toward the best developement of our country. It has a record which we are all proud of, and one we should be glad of the opportunity to emphasize.
To me the chief event of such an occasion will be the grand home-coming of the hundreds of sons and daughters of Gloucester scattered throughout the country, and the many delightful reunions which would follow, and this feature of itself would be well worth any expense or effort to accomplish.
Further than this, two suggestions occur to me at the present time which I wish to present, and should be pleased if they could be carried out.
First, I should like very much to join in a movement which should be participated in by every son and daughter of our honored city, now non-resi- dents, to prepare and present some permanent testimonial of the regard and pride which we all feel for our former home, and the scenes of our earliest training and efforts.
And second, assuming that the peculiar position which our honored city occupies as the chief fishing port of the country will be specially recognized, I hope that a special effort will be made to secure, for temporary exhibition, at a proper place, of the great exhibit now being prepared under the direc- tion of Captain Collins for the approaching World's Fair, of everything which pertains to the history, methods, and results of the prosecution of this great industry during our national existence. I feel sure that if properly presented, our general government would be disposed to meet our request, and I am sure we could depend on the hearty co-operation of Professor Goode, Captain Collins, and Prof. Howard Clark of the Smithsonian Institute to secure so desirable a feature for this great occasion. EDWARD H. HASKELL.
I cannot enter into details; space will not permit it; but I venture to express the hope that this occasion will not be allowed to pass without some effort being made to place on canvas, for ultimate installation in the City Hall, suitable illustrations of the fisheries of Gloucester, both past and present.
In view of the excellence that has been attained in recent years in the con- struction and rig of fishing vessels, and considering the superior skill of our fishermen in managing them, it seems to me that it would be eminently fitting that one feature of the celebration should be a race between fishing craft of various types ; as well as rowing matches for dories, seine-boats, etc
It would add much to the interest and success of the event, if it is practi- cable, to secure the attendance of many gentlemen who formerly pulled net and line on Gloucester vessels, but who are now prominent in various parts of this country and elsewhere, having achieved success in different walks of life.
Yours very respectfully,
J. W. COLLINS.
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It would be a time of rejoicing to every one who had ever rested within the environs of the city, and in considering the fleeting pleasure of such a celebration it seems but appropriate that some measure should be taken to perpetuate the event. What could more effectually do so than the dedication of a Public Park? It would be more enduring than a monument, in that if would never crumble away ; storms and tempests would beat in vain against it ; it would afford more pleasure than a public hall, in that rich and poor could here meet on a common level and enjoy one of God's greatest blessings, - pure, untainted air
Here generation after generation would wend their footsteps, and finding rest and refreshment for both body and mind, renew their vigor and call down blessings on those philanthropic souls, who, appreciating what had been done for them in the past, realized their obligations toward the future and left this park as a beautiful heritage.
The suggestions that have been made to select the old Stage Fort grounds seem to me to be the wisest that could be made. As I think of it, my mind goes back again to my boyhood's days when we used to stroll over the beaten path to the old fort itself, and sitting on the great boulders look off into the harbor, and spend many happy hours in this way. In all Gloucester there is no more fitting place than this old landmark for a public park.
F. A. B. LOWE, Defiance, Ohio.
Your courteous invitation to offer suggestions concerning the commemo- ration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Gloucester is acknowl- edged with thanks. So notable an occasion should, I think, centre about some special feature of permanent value and. importance to the city as such, which would stand perpetually as a witness of the loyal love of the people; a mile-stone of progress made, yet full of future possibilities. Since I am given the pleasant privilege of suggestion then, let me indicate first of all what the city particularly needs for all its people, individually and collectively, immedi- ate and prospective, namely : a Public Park, and that one spot elected by several generations as most desirable. The feet of youths and maidens as naturally turn to Stage Fort as the " Lovers' Walk," as do those of " ancient mariners" for outlook and little children for frolic. It is the only circus ground, picnic resort, and campus for games in sight of the city, which, lifting its breezy bluffs and noble crags from the sea, seems ever looking back to dusty, busy streets to empty themselves for the refreshments it has in store. ADA C. BOWLES.
But we should not spend all our strength or money merely for a passing show. Something should be done to provide a permanent memorial of the occasion, which shall witness, for a long time to come, to the liberality of our citizens, and our good will toward the class of men through whose labors and perils on the sea our wealth is derived. My proposal is that we build a
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Fishermen's Exchange, to wit : a large and handsome building on Main Street, say on the corner of Main and Hancock streets, with a large room on the lower floor to be used as a resort for our fishermen when on shore, the details of the same to be arranged by a competent committee after careful study. The cost of erecting such a structure and for care and superintendence of such institution would be less than for the purchase, preparation, and care of the proposed public park.
I suppose that many others beside myself have looked with regret upon the crowds of well dressed and well behaved young men gathered on the corners at the junction of Duncan, Main, and Pleasant streets, in all kinds of weather, during the past winter, with no room to go to, to hold a social chat. This ought not so to be. Let us do something to make the lives of the fisher- men pleasanter, and their calling safer, in the ways spoken of in this communication. JAMES DAVIS.
FROM THE STANDPOINT OF A WANDERING CAPE ANN BOY.
I pride myself upon being one of Gloucester's absent sons who have received my invitation to come home and participate in the festivities of the Anniversary Celebration.
If I am alive you may depend upon my being there, and I propose to take it all in. To me it promises to be one of the greatest events in my life, and I am proud to think there is the pluck aud perseverance in the committee who have the affair in charge to carry it out to a successful issue, and I trust they are being well backed up.
It is no small undertaking to have a three days' celebration, but the occa- sion which is to be celebrated richly deserves it. Just think of it, two hundred and fifty years old! What a throng of memories this awakens. What sacri- fice and what herculean labors did the fathers and mothers of the early days of old Gloucester take upon themselves, and with what energy and persever- ance did their sons and daughters, even down to the present generation, carry on the good work which was so well begun, until to-day there is a city by the sea in which everyone who has a drop of Gloucester blood in his veins is proud that he hails from this rock-bound, sea-girted spot !
We absent ones are coming home to look into the faces of those who have shown their love of the place of their birth, by formulating this anniversary jubilee. We are going to shake hands and tell you how much we thank you for the efforts you have made to make it a happy occasion. Let the cannon roar, the music sound, the bunting fly. We shall celebrate for the priceless blessings which our ancestors have bequeathed us.
I long to inhale the salt sea breezes as they come wafted in from the bay, and I long for a plunge in the breakers, which was such a sport to me as, in boyhood's days I took a "header " on the Pavilion or Half Moon beaches, or over in the " warm pot," with my light-hearted companions, dove and swam
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in the waters of that delectable spot, or of a Wednesday or Saturday afternoon strolled to "Good Harbor Beach " and enjoyed a long continued bath, and buried myself in the sands, after which with my fishing line caught a fine mess of cunners and carried them home to the frying pan of my good mother. Oh, I know all about Gloucester, and I hope when my earthly pilgrimage is over that they will lay me to rest in her bosom. Then indeed I shall be satisfied. WANDERER.
Money is not the only thing to be desired. A patriotic love of one's native place, and an intelligent interest in all that has contributed to make up its history are valuable possessions. But taken on the plane of mere money-getting, every dollar expended for such a celebration would be returned many fold to the community, and ultimately to the municipal treasury.
Not alone by the expenditures of the thousands who would flock to the celebration, but by the souvenirs of the occasion, the excursions and emer- tainments that would be arranged, and in various ways, money would flow into the pockets of our people. And aside from this, the exposition of our fishing industry, showing the successive steps of its progress, and its present methods and products, which ought certainly to be one of the features of the occasion, would do much to call the attention of the country to the advan- tages of Gloucester as a fish market and an increase of her trade. - Times, May 9, 1891.
Newspapers.
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WHAT THE NEWSPAPERS SAID.
NLY a brief reference can be made to what the newspapers said about the celebration. The Boston daily papers vied with each other in the space given to the event. They sent their special reporters and illustrators, and printed column after column, covering every detail. The Essex County dailies and weeklies did the same. The local press fairly outdid themselves. Editorial reference to the event was made by nearly every leading newspaper, not alone in New England but in New York. From the vast amount of material we can only reprint a very few.
AFTERMATH OF THE CELEBRATION.
The long-looked for festivities of the anniversary are now over, and crowned with a rare success. Old friends have met with many a tender hand grasp; tearful eyes were seen; former school-mates, whose home ties were beyond our dear shores, looked at us again, and carried our thoughts so far back in the past, it seemed we were children once more ; all were bright and happy, no remembrance of partings or the long, sad years between were visible ; only the gayeties of the day ; brothers and sisters were reunited. How pleasant to review, with old chums, the school hours, the probable would-be future we planned then, which has found so different a solution.
The celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth year was a happy thought, bringing so many absent ones to their native Cape Ann.
The orator of the day is still a son, cheering us by his fine descriptions of the home beauties of the city, in a pleasing way. None will read the boy- hood reminiscences of another son, who finds his heart awake yet to the charms of our Cape, though casting his lines elsewhere, without tears, and a sweet recognition of deep thought and merit, due to early teaching. Gloucester may well be proud of her absent sons and daughters, as well as the "stay-at-homes," who, by perseverance, and all the virtues, have made her record what it is to-day. J. M. O.
AUG. 20, 1892.
1642. GLOUCESTER. 1892.
In this year of anniversary our dear city is the theme of many a penny-a- liner summer visitor and strolling artist, but we natives are proud that our little fishing hamlet of 1642 has grown to a prosperous and healthy city, and
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one interesting to strangers. We appreciate the encomiums relative to 'Squam, Mother Ann, and surrounding bcautics ; the scenery is picturesque, the skies are blue, shading off to a pink in a gorgeous sunset ; its harbor, likened to Naples Bay, is of itself a pleasing feature ; the salty air is so invig- orating to most of us, we do not need a trip to mountains or sea voyages.
We often pause in the hurry and bustle of to-day, enjoying as wc do electricity madc useful, stcamboating, and the innumerable improvements otherwise, and imagine what the feelings of those gray-headed men of olden time would be like were they transported herc again; their scarch for the old "gun house," the "garrison" of Peg Wesson's time, the round powder house, Beacon Pole Hill, and other landmarks would be in vain. Among our modern ideas and haste to reach the brilliant end, their steps would falter, and eyes be blinded by so many wonders unused to them. Fishing was their occupation, their homes and dinner tables in accordance with their catch ; indian Johnny-cakes, apple-sauce, coffee, and the inevitable dried salt fish formed the repast, with a grog of New England rum; the brick oven was heated Saturday and beans and brown loaf, with various rations baked. (The custom of a supper of pork and beans on Saturday is still retained by the moderns.)
Some owned a patch of land, bought with hard earnings, often tilled and cared for by the women in "skirt and short gown"; indeed, we think most of the heavy work was accomplished by the strong arms of our foremothers ; tho' conscientiously rearing a group of twelve "bairnies," they yet found time for a neighborly gossip over their evening pipes.
Their ideas were few; no daily papers to solace them and unfold the doings of other people, as at the present ; knitting nippers and mittens used up the hours of dusk and brought them a few coins.
Many of these fishers lived on the old road to Dogtown Common. In our wanderings we find cellars and doorsteps, overgrown gardens, etc., recall- ing a once busy village ; the only authentic reason shown, for a home so far from their daily calling to the sea, was the fear of pirates, who roamed and sacked in a lawless manner.
The "old yet ever new " story gave coloring to the lives of the lads and the lassies ; we presume courtship and marriage of those times were much the same minus the extravagance of our own day. Profanity stalked abroad ; gatherings of citizens met on Sundays, usually at Doghill, to listen to " Mose," the intelligencer. Pedlers made themselves at home in his house ; tripe selling, soap boiling, fish oil, and other commodities, were here; the nicely sanded floors done in diamonds and squares were symbols of neatness ; dogs of high and low degree were also domiciled beneath this roof.
Happily for us, times have changed ; education is uppermost, lifting from the dregs of ignorance to the higher pinnacles of civilization ; labor and rights are protected, and it is simply delightful to be a dweller in this quaint old town. Women are more respected and refined, with every comfort in the way of lighter household utensils for working, better dress ideas, with
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broader scope for literary culture, this present age; but the "little girls " seem to have vanished ; their " pinafores and nankeen pantalettes " would bring a sneer to the modern child, with her furbelows; and yet so much more are the children cared for now !
Being just as sweet and dear, but in accordance with the times, the boys generally wore ill-fitting, cast-off garments, belonging to some grandfather, with long hair sleeked down, and a shambling, diffident way, vastly opposite to the perfumed dudes of this cigarette period.
Well, after all, praise or blame, Gloucester is dear to us ; with her many natural curiosities, hill and valleys ; her people, quick to respond in times of trouble; her absent children, who will soon come and congratulate, with tearful yet blissful memories, this two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of their birthplace. J. M. O.
AN HEROIC CITY.
This is to be a gala week in Gloucester ; indeed, all Cape Ann will join in celebrating the quarter millennial of its metropolis. This gray old city by the sea has an individuality as rugged and picturesque as the granite cliffs which hedge its outer harbor. Its existence has been a perpetual struggle in which the courage and the cunning of the man have been pitted against the mighty power of the elements. The town is strong and prosperous now. It is a seat of wealth and culture. But the stranger sailing in from the ocean and catching his first glimpse of the long line of wharves and warehouses, with the trees and roofs and steeples rising behind them, somehow cannot get it out of his fancy that Gloucester is clinging to its rocky hillsides as her sailors cling to their reeling decks.
Gloucester, we have said, has a strong individuality. There are many small towns, but no other large city like it on our Atlantic coast. It lives by and from the sea. Its chief industries are such as to nurture manliness. For generations it has been drawing to it bold spirits from all over the world. It is by no chance of blind fortune that Gloucester has added to its fleets and wealth, while the fleets of its competitors have dwindled. Its safe and capa- cious harbor is one factor in its prosperity ; its nearness to great markets another. But something more than that was needed, and it was found in the skill and indomitable perseverance, pluck, and energy of its citizens.
These are what have given Gloucester its supremacy in one of the most arduous and hazardous callings in which men are anywhere engaged.
The old town does well to give up nearly the whole week to its commem- oration. Life in Gloucester always wears enough of its serious phases, and it needs the occasional relief of innocent gayety. In entering upon these days of rejoicing, which mark its anniversary, Gloucester has the hearty well wishes of its older and younger sister cities of the Commonwealth. - Press.
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AS OTHERS SEE US.
A gale from the northeast with accompanying rain was not propitious wcather for anniversary performances on shore, but part of the Gloucester celebration of its two hundred and fiftieth fanniversary was a fishing schooncr. racc from " Eastern Point" via the inside of " Half way rock " to Davis Ledge off the " Minot " and return, forty-one milcs in all, and the last half to wind- ward. To make of this race a " slugging " fight the weather was eminently well adapted, and so the flect of ten schooners found it. Naturally, bcing " bankers," every man and boat, there was no "letting up " on anything, and the skippers, first-class men as they are for their own work, not being racing men, the craft was sent off overloaded with canvas, which if it did not haply blow away was " dragged " homc on the hard-weather thrash. Naturally, the race was to the most powerful, which seemed to be the " Harry L. Bclden," as she won very fairly and acquired the moncy prize and likewise Commodore Hovey's three-hundred-dollar cup. Considering the weather and the sails carried, there were wonderfully fcw accidents, fishermen being heavily rigged ; but probably none of the captains cared to shorten sail so long as the others did not do it, and so the boats literally toiled up wind, with the water up to the skylights, and the seas going clean over them. A racing sailor would not have cared what his competitors were at, but would have shortened sail at the upwind turn and would have profited thereby, as boats do not go well to windward with tons of water on their lee decks. In fact the most important qualification of a racing man is to know just how much sail to carry and not to be affected by prospective jeers about being afraid. I have seen more hard races lost by this sort of false pride than by any other cause. Your real " sea jocky " is not that kind of a man. - The Referee in Town Topics.
GREETING TO GLOUCESTER.
As we write, our neighboring city of Gloucester is in the height of her quarter-millennial celebration - the completion of two and one half centuries of corporate existence. The Gazette but voices the sentiment of Salem, old Essex in its entirety, and the whole country, when it sends warmest con- gratulations to the rock-bound city of the sea.
Interesting, indeed fascinating, is the story of Gloucester's settlement and growth. Its history really antedates by more than a generation the official starting point now commemorated. From the first it has looked to the sea for support ; and from the very nature of their calling it has developed a hardy, brave, and persistent race of men. The courage and perseverance of that por- tion who manned the fishing fleet in the face of the most appalling losses of life have won the admiration of the country and the world, while their loyalty and value in the naval service could be counted upon in every national exigency.
No less courageous, though in a different sense, have proved the mercan-
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tile element of the population. Risking their financial all upon the treacherous waters, they have continued in the business, and built it up, in the main to a grand success, despite drawbacks and losses which would have utterly disheartened almost any other class of men on earth.
To-day, both of these classes of citizens, who, united, have made Gloucester what it is, are reaping the reward of brave and well-directed effort in the consciousness of success and the commendation of the entire country. - Salem Gazette.
THE CAPE ANN CELEBRATION.
The two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of Gloucester, on Cape Ann, evidently bids fair to be one of the most important events in Essex County during the present season. It is now nearly two hundred and seventy years since a little fishing station was established at Wingaershiek, as it was then called by the Indians. This was the first place settled by the English on the north side of Massachusetts Bay, but it was not until 1642 that the town was incorporated under its present name. There are not many towns of two hundred and fifty years' existence in the United States, and the people of Gloucester have evidently appreciated the fact. The cele- bration of the event, therefore, if present plans do not miscarry, bids fair to be a notable one. Perhaps the greatest obstacle to success lies in the danger that the weather may, as it sometimes does in late August along the North Shore, prove unpropitious ; but with clear skies, there is apparently little to be feared.
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